GPs worry over sick note 'spies' in the surgery

Doctors have expressed concern at proposals to introduce Job Centre staff into GP surgeries as part of the government's effort to combat what it has called Britain's burgeoning "sick note culture".

A spokesman for the British Medical Association said: "Doctors are not there to help police the social security system ... We would have concerns if patients were put under stress by the presence of an employment adviser at their surgery. The focus should be on getting fit people back to work."

The chancellor's report said advisers will be installed in surgeries as part of a focus on "fitness for work advice" for patients with health conditions they think might impact their ability to work.

Government advice on combating the "sick note culture" will also be extended to doctors themselves, who are to have their "awareness of the implications of sickness absence improved".

Employment advisers, said a spokesman for the department of work and pensions, are to be "part of the surgery team". The proposed pilot scheme will be introduced next year. It has not been decided which areas will be first to receive the advisers.

Dr Hamish Meldrum, chairman of the BMA's general practitioners committee, said: "GPs will welcome practical measures to help their patients back to work where appropriate.

"However, the proposed pilots for employment advisers in surgeries will need to demonstrate that the problems currently experienced by many practices - such as lack of staff, money and space - can be resolved."